Double-murder suspect Anthony Gaines appeared in Christian Circuit Court on Thursday where he rejected a plea deal and is set to move forward with trial.
Gaines was arrested in connection to the shooting deaths of Kierra Wallace and George Gomez near Peach Street in 2021. He is charged with two counts of murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, tampering with physical evidence and four counts of wanton endangerment. Gaines is represented by Brandi Jones and Michael Coleman.
Gaines’ defense was working with Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg Cortese to craft a plea deal offer. Cortese offered Gaines a sentencing deal of 25 years for violent charges and 15 years for non-violent charges to be served consecutively.
According to Jones, Gaines asked for the deal to be amended to 20 years for violent charges and 20 years for non-violent charges which was approved by Cortese. Despite, having the deal amended, Gaines rejected the offer.
Circuit Judge Andrew Self questioned Gaines, and following the rejection Cortese says there will be no new offers made and they will proceed with trial.
Self says Gaines could receive the death penalty or a life sentence without the possibility of parole or with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
Gaines will reappear in court for a pretrial conference on June 9.